Health and education chiefs are trying to find a way out of a schools Covid crisis.
Negotiations at Stormont are continuing as parents and head teachers complained of Covid outbreaks and mass pupil absences.
Scathing criticism about the "lack of preparation" ahead of the new term was levelled at Education Minister Michelle McIlveen as concerns grow about the impact of enforced self-isolation on children who have missed almost a year of face-to-face teaching.
Shortages of PCR testing kits have led to delays for many pupils booking slots after coming into close contact with a positive case.
First Minister Paul Givan is now questioning if schools could switch back to lateral flow tests, which are not as accurate but provide results within 30 minutes.
Close contact cases must currently get tested on day two of their absence and produce a negative result to allow them to return to class. They must also get tested on day eight.
As Stormont is recalled to get "clear and robust guidance", Ms McMcIlveen released a statement saying "detailed" talks are taking place between her officials and the Department of Health - with proposals being "finalised" for discussion with relevant bodies "this week".
Accepting the "stress" caused to parents, children and school staff, the DUP minister insisted the public health grounds for keeping pupils at schools are "very strong in terms of supporting their education and emotional well-being".
"The risk of Covid-19 infection in any setting cannot be entirely eradicated but it can be reduced. Schools have a range of mitigations in place to reduce the risk of transmission in school. These include additional cleaning and hand hygiene, ventilation, the use of face coverings and regular asymptomatic testing," she said.
Meanwhile, a number of principals have contacted The Irish News with concerns about some unvaccinated teachers.
No data is held on the the numbers of teaching staff not jabbed, but one principal revealed it having an impact and described it as a "dereliction of duty".
Separately, it has emerged that neither the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Sir Michael McBride nor Public Health Agency (PHA) representatives will appear before a Stormont scrutiny body today.
The Education committee had invited them to give evidence. The PHA said it was unable do to so due to the short notice but would be "happy" to appear in the future. The Department of Health was contacted for comment but it is understood the CMO will not be present.
